Carroll County, Taylor County schools honored in annual digital school districts survey for innovative uses of technology

The Carroll County and Taylor County school systems were among 30 districts nationwide to be recognized for innovative uses of technology in educational sessions. The Carroll County district tied for fourth place and Taylor County Schools placed ninth in the small district category of the 10th annual Digital School District Survey, a program of NSBA and the Center for Digital Education.

The districts will be recognized during ceremonies in New Orleans during the 2014 NSBA national conference, April 4-7.

According to an NSBA news release, the survey showcases exemplary use by school boards and districts of technology to govern the district; communicate with students, parents and the community; and improve district operations. This year’s recognition goes to school districts for their expanding use of innovative technologies district-wide as well as in the classroom.

“Schools and school districts are embracing technology and it is really exciting not only to see the innovative ways they implement technology, but how they are using technology effectively to teach and advance education,” said Alan Cox, senior vice president for the Center for Digital Education. “These education leaders serve as an inspiration to other school districts nationwide for their creative efforts to provide an outstanding education for today's students. Congratulations to this year's winners!”

“Technology innovations enable local school boards to connect with their communities and support students and teachers in ways that were unimaginable even a decade ago,” said NSBA Executive Director Thomas J. Gentzel. “The 2014 Digital School Districts Survey offers powerful examples of technology’s role in the transformation of public education.”

Here are some of selected findings and trends gleaned from this year’s survey:

School board meeting availability:

• Board meeting agenda and docs e-displayed on screen – 80 percent

• Televised – 31 percent

• Streamed and archived – 32 percent

• Via podcast – 22 percent

• Allow board members to participate/vote in meetings remotely – 52 percent of states

District allows alternatives to core content instruction in classrooms: